Thursday, 5 April 2012

Plumbing Forums

What are people’s opinions of Plumbing Advice forums, I
personally am against them, why do plumbers want to devalue their trade, why
would anyone who has gained knowledge of their industry with hard work and
study want to give that knowledge away for free, I used to partake in these
forums a few years ago, but then I woke up and thought what on earth am I
doing, I have been in this industry for 30 years, I attended college for 4
years, I have been on numerous manufacturers training and have even had training
in other European countries by highly skilled engineers, I still to this day
attend manufacturers training as I am a firm believer in CPD (continuing
professional development) all to gain knowledge, from this gained knowledge I have travelled to other countries in the world
to pass on my knowledge to others, training installers in these countries to
how to design, install and commission thermal solar systems and I have been
paid very well for my knowledge, that is what I gained the knowledge of my industry
for, to earn a decent living, so why would I want to give this knowledge away
for free, I really do not understand why some plumbers want to give their
knowledge away, what to the get from it, some I have spoken to say, if someone is
going to DIY it is best they are told how to do it properly, I don't agree with
that, DIY’ers should stick within their comfort zone and only DIY what they are
capable of doing, if they need advice to do a job suggests to me that they
should not be attempting that job, also reading through some of the advice
given on these forums it is often incorrect advice and sometimes dangerous
advice and often causes arguments amoungts the installers on the forum, which degrades our industry even further, we need to have some pride in our industry and try and gain public
respect for what we know and do, giving away advice free just cheapens the
industry in my opinion, how many other industries do you know who give away
their knowledge for free, you would not get advice from a solicitor for free
would you.

Knowledge is how we earn our money and we should protect
that knowledge, someone on a forum once wrote the following, which kind of sums
up what I am saying.

A guy takes his car to a garage, because the engine is
making a taping noise, the mechanic starts the engine opens the bonnet andlistens, yes, I hear the taping noise,he takes a hammer and taps part of the engine
twice with the hammer, the taping noise stops instantly, OK sir that will be
£55.00 please, what! exclaims the car owner, £55.00 just for hitting the engine
with a hammer, no says the mechanic its £5.00 for hitting the engine with the
hammer and £50.00 for knowing where to hit it..

1 comment:

Plumbing is about your water systems, which is made up of pipes, fixtures, and other devices that supply and remove water and water wastes. Plumbers fix and install plumbing fixtures and systems. Plumbers and plumbing systems adhere to strict codes, regulations, and trade standards. Manufacturers follow to the same standards and fittings to safeguard compatibility. Plumbing delivery and removal of waste transports potential sanitation and health risks, so lines and systems must be safe.